txting & drvng

Pay attention out there.
(view video)

Merry Christmas!

I wish you and your family goodness during the holidays and throughout the new year!

I'm enjoying going through my address book and remembering people who've befriended me.  Cicero said, 

"Friendship makes prosperity more shining and lessens adversity by dividing and sharing it.".

May the coming year be your most prosperous and happiest ever and may you only grow from any adversity!  

I'd love to hear back from you,

Tony Derricott | M.Ed Technology, A+, Network+, MCP
3974 Wagon Trail, Rexburg, ID  83440-4378 | 208.313.5324
http://www.TonyDerricott.com/

Get Cookie Monster on SNL, "friends"!

Cookie Monster Mocks SNL -The Daily Beast -

Moose Bonk

I bonked my head today with this moose's nose; one of the many obstacles to my job, especially as Tech Support for the Biology Department.

Tony Derricott

Taco Two?

Yesterday a car caught fire after leaving the Rexburg Taco Bell and now this:

Brigham City Taco Time destroyed in blaze

Maybe Mexican Fast Food is just getting too darned hot!

Hot Tacos?

Insert own spicy, fiery joke here.

Read Article

MDA Jail?

I just got a phone call asking what time I wanted to be jailed for Muscular Dystrophy. Has anybody done this? Pros? Cons? I told them to call me back tomorrow.

MDA Jail

Prognostication Fun

Is your team projected to be in the right bowl, yet?

Scout.com: 2010-2011 Bowl Projections ... Oct. 17

Happy? Meal

McDonald's Happy Meal bought by Sally Davies shows no sign of mould after 6 months | Mail Online

I think I'd be happier without it, thanks.

True Advice

You can persist in being right, or you can have relationships.


I've got a lot to learn in this department.  I tend to err on the side of truth, justice and the American way.  I need to learn to hold back a bit.  


Any advice?

Famous Seconds

Watch closely and you'll see Tara, Jacob, and Erik for about 3 seconds of their allotted 15 minutes of lifetime fame:

Dozens Raise Awareness For Organ Transplants - Local News Story - KIFI Idaho Falls

I Agree

To most Christians the Bible is like a software license. Nobody actually reads it. They just scroll to the bottom and click "I Agree".

Tony Derricott

Big Picture

“Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent.”

- Marilyn vos Savant

Peter Gabriel (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiCRZLr9oRw) and R.E.M. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pudOFG5X6uA) sang it well.  I'm feeling fine but someone out there might need a reminder.  I might even need to refer back here someday.

Punny Stuff!

You might groan.  But this is my kind of humor...

1. The fattest knight at King Arthur's round table was Sir Cumference. He acquired his size from too much pi.
2. I thought I saw an eye doctor on an Alaskan island, but it turned out to be an optical Aleutian .
3. She was only a whiskey maker, but he loved her still.
4. A rubber band pistol was confiscated from algebra class, because it was a weapon of math disruption.
5. No matter how much you push the envelope, it'll still be stationery.
6. A dog gave birth to puppies near the road and was cited for littering.
7. A grenade thrown into a kitchen in France would result in Linoleum Blownapart.
8. Two silk worms had a race. They ended up in a tie.
9. Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
10. Atheism is a non-prophet organization.
11. Two hats were hanging on a hat rack in the hallway. One hat said to the other: 'You stay here; I'll go on a head.'
12. I wondered why the baseball kept getting bigger. Then it hit me.
13. A sign on the lawn at a drug rehab center said: 'Keep off the Grass.'
14. The midget fortune-teller who escaped from prison was a small medium at large.
15. The soldier who survived mustard gas and pepper spray is now a seasoned veteran.
16. A backward poet writes inverse.
17. In a democracy it's your vote that counts. In feudalism it's your count that votes.
18. If you jumped off the bridge in Paris , you'd be in Seine .
19. A vulture boards an airplane, carrying two dead raccoons. The stewardess looks at him and says, 'I'm sorry, sir, only one carrion allowed per passenger.'
20. Two Eskimos sitting in a kayak were chilly, so they lit a fire in the craft. Unsurprisingly it sank, proving once again that you can't have your kayak and heat it too.
21. Two hydrogen atoms meet. One says, 'I've lost my electron.' The other says 'Are you sure?' The first replies, 'Yes, I'm positive.'
22. There was the person who sent ten puns to friends, with the hope that at least one of the puns would make them laugh. No pun in ten did.

To cushion my odds I shared more than twice the ten mentioned.  Did any pun in 22 make you laugh?

Unresistingly Gracious

"...to thank the Lord thy God in all things (D&C 59:7) is more than a social courtesy; it is a binding commandment..."

I need to learn that gratitude IS a social courtesy AND more. How about you?

Tony Derricott

P.S. Thanks in advance for your comments.

;)

Top Boxing

If your kid's not saving box tops mine (Emily) is. We'll make it worth your while if you'll send them our way!

Tony Derricott

Wichita Lawnman?

What tool is bigger than a rototiller yet smaller than a tractor? I've got 1.5 acres I'd like to seed or sod but the Mantis isn't quite cutting it and I don't think a John Deere will swing around the trees we've already planted.

- signed "The Beginner Lawn Guy"

Beware Snow Globes!

No Words
Originally uploaded by Globe Trodden

Something about the spirit of the law and the letter of the law comes to mind...

Small Speed?

Is that Italian for "tiny & fast sports car"?

Sent from my Windows Mobile® phone.

Hot Cakes?

(insert snide comment here)

Tony Derricott

Singular Selection?

Why must I "LIFT NOZZLE THEN SELECT PRODUCT" when there's only one choice?

Tony Derricott

INL Fire!

I'm sure it's something that will just blow over. Don't be alarmed. But from Rexburg it looks like the Idaho National Laboratory is o fire right now.

Sent from Tony's Windows Mobile® phone.
(208) 313-5324

Successful Tendencies

"Success is the ratio of your accomplishments to your capacities."

- Thomas S. Monson

Cross Talk

Using crosswalks puts me in a better frame of mind.

Sent from my Windows Mobile® phone.

Emily's Cookies

BYU-Idaho I~Comm - Video

Click the link then forward to 1:00 (unless you want to watch the first :59) to see Emily talking about cookies. She doesn't look excited but deep down you know she loves cookies!

Oahu Wahoo!

We're headed for the Hawaiian Island of Oahu in a few days.  We've rented a Volkswagen Kombi Westfalia camping van for a few days.  We have a condo for the other part of the time.  We'll get to see my brothers family and also some old friends.  Anybody got tips on things to do (or to avoid)?

UPDATE: Here's our list with your recommendations...


Bring

• Sunscreen
• Hats
• Sandals
• Bathing Suits (2)
• Polar Fleece Pullover
• Eyeglasses
• Phone Charger
• Power Inverter
• Laptop
• GPS
• Mosquito Lotion (w/DEET)

See

• 6/4: County Camping Permit (Free) - 650 S King St or any Satellite City Hall - M-F - 7:45am-4pm
• 6/4: Camping Van pickup - Kailua
• Week 1: H-3 Highway
• Week 1: Haiku Stairs (Stairway to Heaven)
• Week 1: Banzai Pipeline (Ehukai Beach Park, Pupukea, North Shore) demonstrates the spectacular forces of the world's largest ocean releasing its fury on an offshore reef. When the forecast calls for big waves, be there with a towel, sunscreen, and a camera (unless your name is Laird Hamilton, entering the water isn't worth the risk).
• Week 1: Turtle Beach
• Week 1: Dole Plantation
• Week 1: Byodo-In Temple
• Week 1: Laie Temple (recommended by Cathryn Nef Michaelis)
• Week 1: BYU-Hawaii
• Week 1: Ho'omaluhia Park Botanical Garden
• Week 1: Waimea Valley (Rainforest, Garden, Waterfall [recommended by Josie Weyland])
• Week 1: Halona Blowhole - South Shore
• Week 1: Nu'Uanu Pali Lookout
• Week 2: Aloha Stadium Swap Meet (W, Sa, Su; 8am-3pm; $1/person)
• Manoa Falls Trail (1 mile)
• Week 1: Tantalus Road
• Week 1: Pu'u Ualaka'a State Wayside Park - photograph 25-mile swath of Oahu
• Week 1: Spitting cave of Portlock
• Week 1: Dragon's Nostrils - near Makapu'u Point
• Week 1: Polynesian Cultural Center (recommended by Cathryn Nef Michaelis, Josie Weyland, Jackie Johnson)
• 6/11: Hilton Hawaiian Village - Best Cheap Date: Every Friday night, the Hilton Hawaiian Village (2005 Kalia Rd.; tel. 808/949-4321) presents the King's Jubilee and Fireworks. The event includes Polynesian music and dance, a parade, ceremonies, and a fireworks show on the beach. If you sit inside the event's roped area, you'll need to buy a drink but sitting just outside of it to see the fireworks is free. - Polynesian Show - near the pool - 7pm - Fireworks Show - 8pm
• 6/11: Kamehameha Day
• 6/11-13: Pan Pacific Festival
• 6/11: 12-1pm - Best Free Concert: Honolulu has America's only official royal state residence. Iolani Palace (364 S. King St.; tel. 808/538-1470) offers a variety of activities which are either free -- these include strolling the royal grounds and listening to the Royal Hawaiian Band's weekly concerts -- or inexpensive (gallery tours start at $6).
• 6/12-13: Sunset on the Beach - Queen's Surf Beach - Free Movie - Saturday and Sunday evenings
• 6/12-13: Sunset on the Beach - Maili Beach Park - 7-10pm - over 15 delicious ethnic food booths, non-stop entertainment from 2 stages, a large Hawaiiana Marketplace and Craft Fair, Health Expo, Nonprofit Showcase, Children’s Center with rides and bouncers, free full-length movies each night, and fireworks on Sunday.
• Week 2: Diamond Head Hiking (recommended by Josie Weyland) - 6am-6pm
• Week 2: Hawaii State Art Museum rotates its free exhibitions, ensuring that no two visits will be the same.
• Week 2: Pearl Harbor (recommended by Josie Weyland) - free tours 7:45am - 3pm.
• Week 2: Kuhio Beach Park - torch lighting ceremony (nightly at sunset) - Under the banyan tree next to the bronze statue of Duke Kahanamoku
• Week 2: Chinatown (Brochure Page) - If you're not in Chinatown that early in the year, head there on the first Friday of each month, when the district comes alive with open museums and galleries (most with free admission) and street music and vendors.
• 
  
  • Asian Food Court at Maunakea Market
• Week 2: Kapahulu Groin (Boogie Board)
• Snorkeling (Hanauma Bay?) (Snorkel Bob's coupon?)
• Farmers Markets (Brochure Page)
• Hawaii's Plantation Village? (Coupon)
• Bishop Museum?
• Surfing Lessons? (recommended by Josie Weyland)
• Kaena Point is a sacred spot at the western most tip of Oahu accessible only by hike.
• Tue/Thu/Sat/Sun: Kuhio Beach Hula Show - 6:30-7:30pm

Eat

• Malasadas at Leonard's Bakery
• Plate Lunch (recommended by Jackie Johnson)
• Spam Musubi (recommended by Jackie Johnson)
• Shaved Ice w/cream or beans (Matsumoto's or Aoki's in Hale'iwa [recommended by Kim Ellison])
• Mitsu-Ken Garlic Chicken
• Pineapple Shakes (Dole Plantation)
• Giovanni's Aloha Shrimp Wagon (Kahuku)
• Best Investment of $1.95: A macaroni salad is just one of many of the less-than-$3 items at the Rainbow Drive-In (3308 Kanaina Ave.; tel. 808/737-0177), which prides itself on generous portions and reasonable prices. This philosophy has kept the eatery successful for almost 50 years.
• 
  
  
  Best Investment of $2.50: Treat yourself to poi, a Polynesian favorite, prepared just the way locals like it. Get this real taste of the islands at Helena's Hawaiian Foods (1240 N School St.; tel. 808/845-8044).
• 
  
  
  Best Meal Plan: While making the obligatory loop around the island, stop at Opal's Thai Food (66-460 Kamehameha Hwy.; tel. 808/381-8091) for the perfect North Shore lunch or dinner. Be advised: This is a Thai truck. The food's high quality and unbeatable prices, paired with world-class picnicking beaches, make for one of Oahu's most romantic dinner dates.

Buy

• Ukelele (Whaler's General Store?)
• Hula Doll (Whaler's General Store?)
• $10 Kmart (Free Macadamias Coupon)

S'no'Way!

I don't know how far and wide it spread today but we were definitely caught in a freak, spring, snowstorm on our way out of the college library.  Do those boys look happy?

Sharon Shara Like

An Ode to My
First Favorite Females

Mom passed away in her sleep last night.  She'd been progressively losing a battle against a stroke she suffered in August.  Through it all Shara was there.  I'm thankful for the miracle of her strength. 

A song my old college roommate, Orlan Cahoon, sang with his sister sums up my thoughts for my "First Favorite Females":

"We're Thanking You"

We're thanking you

For all you've done

For all of us

Words can't express

The love we feel

For you this day

All the love you give to us

And all the times you spend

Has made this family what it is today

And how we wish that we could all repay you

And we say Thank You and we love you

We're thanking you

For all you've done

For all of us

You taught us love

And of our Father

From on high

All the joy you bring to us

And all the peace we feel

Knowing we can be together for eternity

If we but live in perfect harmony

And so we say Thank You and we love you

We're thanking you!

(Video Montage)

You don't say..."heavy"

Don’t say: “Wow, you’ve lost a ton of weight!” 

Why: To a newly trim person, it might give the impression that they used to look unattractive. 

Instead say: “You look fantastic.” And leave it at that. If you’re curious about how they got so svelte, add, “What’s your secret?”


I agree.  Otherwise it seems like one of them there back-handed compliments.

You don't say..."tired"

Don’t say: “You look tired.” 
Why: It implies the person doesn't look good. 
Instead say: “Is everything OK?” We often blurt the “tired” comment when we get the sense that the other person feels out of sorts. So just ask. 


This is one more in the line of thoughts I'm posting not as preaching to anyone more than myself.  This is one more thing I need to work on; proper language.  Do you agree with the "instead"?

Thtar Warth

I just heard that yesterday was Star Wars Day...

MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU!

(Groans optional)

Thoughts Sought

“Write down the thoughts of the moment. Those that come unsought for are commonly the most valuable.” 


-- Francis Bacon -1561-1626, Philosopher, Statesman, Scientist and Author


I keep a little notepad with me throughout the day in my shirt pocket.  Primarily that's used for a To Do List.  When I have thoughts I want to elaborate on later I email them to myself to blog about at greater length on that or a subsequent evening.  I'd only add to Sir Bacon's quote that many sought thoughts can also be valuable; though those, too, may come at unexpected times.


By the way, what's up with that light bulb?  Is he sweating or having an epiphany?

One Louder

Do you ever meet with people who just don't understand your logic? Are you more like the interviewer or the guitar player?

Conflicting Idioms

“The early bird gets the worm,
but the second mouse gets the cheese.”

~ Author Unknown

So, what do you do when two truths seem to contradict each other?

Character Enhancement

"You can tell the character of every man
when you see how he receives praise.”

~ Lucius Annaeus Seneca

I'm not real good at this one.  I tend to deflect compliments.  Got any tips?

Whiny Cheese

When I hear someone whining I often like to sarcastically ask them if they want some cheese with that "whine". Here are a few quotes that some will find motivational while others will find them cheesy:

"There are no 'new truths' and no 'secrets to success'. What we lack is the ability, desire and discipline to accept and live up to the truths we know. Instead we like to pretend that being successful is a secret others are keeping from us, or that it is really really hard so that we have lots of excuses for not achieving it."

“Few people will turn to themselves to take responsibility for their results until they have exhausted all opportunities to blame someone else."

“The real danger with whining is that whining only prolongs the problem.”

So, let there be no whine.  Remind me -- when I do whine -- to knock it off!

Teton Backside

Today we drove over the hill to see the other side of the mountain.  You see, every morning my ritual includes looking out our picture window at the Grand Teton as I'm doing my daily weigh-in on the Wii Fit.  Whether I'm looking at the front-side or the back-side of it is a relative perception.  At any rate, we ventured through Jackson Hole into Grand Teton National Park today to see some of Tara and I's old stomping grounds.  There are a few more pictures available in my online album at http://picasaweb.google.com/tonyderricott.  We also saw a grizzly bear.  See if you can spot it in the distance beyond the binocular ladies.

Corner Cutters

I find myself bothered by foot traffic that doesn't obey walking rules.  For example:

1. Walk on the sidewalk.
2. Walk on the right side of the sidewalk; especially if you're reading, texting, or otherwise not paying attention to oncoming foot traffic.
3. Walk through the right-side of the double-doors, even if you think someone else isn't coming.

What am I missing?  Am I the only one that's bothered?  Is it me or is it them?  

I either need to understand "them"; be converted to "their" ways; or take a step back, breathe, and feel peace.

Blogupational Therapy

I was thinking today about how much I enjoy blogging every night.  Many of the ideas that come into my head during the day perplex me.  When I'm able to put them down on "paper" at night they go into a different part of my brain.  Eventually they almost always become lesser problems.  It's like Blogger.com is my sounding wall.  That's not to diminish the thoughts that some of you share at times.  I'm certainly grateful for those.  I don't expect to post my cares for the world to answer for me but good friends are always welcome, too.  I'm sure a psychologist could elaborate and use fancier terms.  I know that "blogupational" isn't even a word.  If you know what it means then it doesn't matter, though.  I know what I'm talking about.  Do you?

Tie Guys

On campus there is an employee dress code:

"

BYU-Idaho Dress and Grooming Standards for Employees

---

Employees occupy a position of role model for students at BYU-Idaho. As role models, a higher and more formal dress and grooming standard is expected of employees when on campus than is expected of students. Specifically:

1. Male employees are expected to wear a shirt and tie with dress slacks. Jeans are not appropriate professional attire. In areas where shirts, ties, and dress slacks are not suitable for the work environment, the department chair or director, in consultation with the vice president, will determine satisfactory attire, including the wearing of uniforms where appropriate. Extreme or immodest clothing styles are also unacceptable.

Male employees are expected to maintain a clean and well-cared-for appearance. Hairstyles should be neat, avoiding extreme styles or colors, and trimmed above the collar and the ear. Sideburns should not extend below the earlobe or onto the cheek. Men are expected to be clean shaven; beards are not acceptable. Mustaches, if worn, should be neatly trimmed and may not extend beyond or below the corners of the mouth. Earrings and other body piercing are unacceptable. Shoes should be worn in all public campus areas."

I think it's funny to walk across campus and be perceived and greeted differently by fellow tie-wearers.

I do enjoy wearing a tie, though.  I think it makes me behave better.  I also wear a white shirt on Fridays; opposite to the way most people look forward to "Casual Friday".  Tara and I go to the temple on Friday evenings.  So it's a good excuse to dress up another notch.

I also enjoy wearing a shirt with a pocket in it because it's a good place for my phone, notepad, and pencil.  I don't have a pocket protector.  I'm a new-age nerd; we don't use protectors.

Inoperable Tendencies

I found out today that my dad has inoperable cancer.  I'm already dealing with my mom's failing health due to a stroke she suffered a few months ago.  The word "inoperable" seems to strike me from both meanings:

1. Not functioning; inoperative.

As in: It is difficult for me to function with the weight of this news on my mind.

2. Unsuitable for a surgical procedure

As in: I know that no operation on either Dad or Mom is going to help.

I poked around on the Internet looking for resources that could help me learn more.  While this booklet I found was meant for teens I found a lot of the information in it helpful.  I'm posting a link to it here as much for me to refer back to as to share with others:

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/When-Your-Parent-Has-Cancer-Guide-for-Teens/PDF

There are also a number of thoughts I came upon at http://homeinsteaders.org/category/death/ that inspire me.  One of my favorites at this moment is:

“Death is more universal than life;
everyone dies but not everyone lives.”

~ A. Sachs

So, I find myself thinking that -- while I know everything happens for a reason -- I need a few crutches like those mentioned above to get me through this time.

48 Plus

Delmar & Sharon Derricott were married April 19, 1962.  


Happy 48th Anniversary, Dad & Mom!  


Make every moment count.

Penguin Power?

“Courage is a special kind of knowledge:

the knowledge of how to fear what ought to be feared

and how not to fear what ought no to be feared.”

~ David Ben-Gurion

I like this thought because it again talks about balance.  I have to continually (or is it "continuously") remind myself of these types of thoughts so that I can keep 'er between the buoys; keep the plates spinning; keep an even keel...

It's human nature to either not try or to -- as the picture suggests -- try then flee.  It's the spiritual nature of taking these things seriously that we ought to strive for.  So, what would you do if you were the penguin?

Shameful Tendencies

“Unless you’re ashamed of yourself now and then,

you’re not honest.”

~ William Faulkner

While I wholeheartedly agree with this thought I also believe that a person can be too ashamed to the point of weakness.  Like anything in life, this too requires balance.  

I was ashamed today, though, when I realized that a computer had been stolen from a classroom in one of my buildings.  However, I'm not ashamed to say that I finally saw Avatar.  I wonder what percent of the public has actually seen it before me.

Touching Numbers

While the Dow touched 11000 today...

I touched 179. 

May it continue to rise as I continue to fall.

DISCLAIMER: This photo is not an actual photograph of me, though my belly does poke out about that far. ===>

Confucian Superiority

“The superior man is distressed
by the limitations of his ability;
he is not distressed by the fact
that men do not recognize
the ability that he has.”

~ Confucius

I take this to mean "superior" to the distressed state he might otherwise be in; rather than "superior" to any others.

Almighty Wanting

We watched "Bruce Almighty" tonight.  Here's one of my favorite lines near the end of the movie:

Bruce: There were so many. I just gave them all what they want.

God: Yeah. But since when does anyone have a clue about what they want?

Which reminds me of one of my favorite lyrics from a Rolling Stones song:

You can't always get what you want
But if you try sometimes you might find
You get what you need


So, I just want what's best for me.  How about you?

Lotsa Letters

I don't mention this to be boastful.  It's just documentation, Holmes.  The other day I became a MCDST.  That's a Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician.  To become one requires taking 2 tests.  I'd taken the first of the two a couple of years ago to become a MCP.  That's a Microsoft Certified Professional.  Before those I had become certified as CompTIA (that's Computer Technology Industry Association) A+ followed by Network+.  These are even above and beyond my college degrees.   It's confusing even to me.  What's more, I'm working on becoming an ACSP next.  That's an Apple Certified Support Professional.  After that I'll work on an HP cert., a Dell cert., and another Microsoft cert.; this time MCAS (Microsoft Certified Application Specialist).  So, for the listy-type people, here's the rundown:

What I Am:

• AAS
• BA
• MEd
• A+
• Network+
• MCP
• MCDST

What I Wanna Be:

• ACSP
• MCAS
• HPCST
• DCST
• PhD

OK?

Rock Salutations

While I was looking for something to right about on today's daily musing I came across one of my favorite songs (For Those About to Rock (We Salute You) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia). I know the lyrics to the song probably have some sort of evil meaning. However, part of the article at Wikipedia claims that:

"The title and central lyric of the song are based on an ancient salute used by Roman prisoners to be executed in the Colosseum, "Ave, Caesar, morituri te salutant" ("Hail Caesar, we who are about to die, salute you.")."

I like to think the song means, "Go do good, with power!"; kind of a weird mix of AC/DC, Nike, and Spencer W. Kimball.  But I'm weird like that.  Do you think it's a stretch or are you with me?

Take a listen, if you please.

Hair Bands

Okay, somebody tell me why there are so many hair bands around campus at BYU-Idaho.

Lest you get confused, I'm talking about the little rubbery-bandy-ponytail-holder things, not the 80s metalheads; although that would be interesting to see a bunch of them around campus!

Regardless (or is it irregardless?) do the things fall off the girls' heads as they're jogging?  Are they careless litterers?  What other reason(s) could there be?

In the meantime, "Rock on!"

Instant Enmity?

We spent a few days in Utah.  I realized at one point in traffic that I wrongly judge other drivers if they don't conform to my perspective of the "right" way to obey traffic laws.  I read a quote today that doesn't hit this thought exactly but it comes close:

“Failing to forgive someone is like drinking poison every day and expecting the other person to die.”

I'm recommitting myself here and now to give even drivers the benefit of the doubt.  It's going to take some work.  But, like Tara said, recognition is the first step.

Brak Liker

As a nod to my immaturity, I like Brak.  Anyone else?

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=brak&search_type=&aq=f

High Notes!

I had a hankering for Minnie Riperton's "Lovin' You" tonight.  I especially like the high note at 0:56.  There's a couple more later in the song, too, if you can make it all the way to 3:20.  I have to admit that I liked the song better before I watched the video.  What's that sprig in her hair, anyway?

Relief Pitcher?

Tara was called at Relief Society President in our ward a few days ago.  Today she was sustained and then set apart.  I'm excited for her.  I know that she will grow in ways not otherwise possible as she's stretched and nourished by the demands of the many different sisters with whom she'll necessarily interact.  In addition to the words "Charity Never Faileth" -- included in the Relief Society logo at left -- are the words recently uttered by the General Relief Society Presidency of the Church, "faith, family, relief".  Go forth with faith, strengthen your family, serve others, Tara.  I support you.  I'll do my part to pick up the slack and be a more-equal partner at home.

Friendly Genius

Einstein said,

"The most important decision we ever make is whether we believe we live in a friendly universe or a hostile universe.”

I've been working really hard since New Years Day on giving people the benefit of the doubt, trying to see things from their perspective, and thinking the best about them.  I'm still working on it.  The hardest part for me is when I'm in traffic.  The fact that this thought by the smart guy struck me makes me think I'm starting to catch on.  What do you think?

Habitually Trying

I read the following article with interest (read the entire article at http://www.freestylemind.com/30-habits-that-will-change-your-life).  I'll go through each one and GREEN the ones that I'm currently doing.  Maybe you can compare your score with mine and comment.

Health habits

1. Exercise 30 minutes every day. Except Sunday
2. Eat breakfast every day. Oatmeal rocks!
3. Sleep 8 hours. 
4. Avoid snacking on junk food between meals. 
5. Eat five portions of fruits and vegetables every day. 
6. Eat fish. 
7. Drink one glass of water when you wake up. 
8. Avoid soda. 
9. Keep your body clean. Since I exercise at lunch I usually shower twice/day.  I can't hardly imagine not showering right after breakfast before I head out for the day, either.
10. If you smoke, stop it. Thankful I never started.
11. If you drink, stop it. Thankful I never started.
12. Take the stairs. I even take them 2 at a time and sprint them most of the time!

Productivity habits

1. Use an inbox system. I like keeping track of all the ideas and things that comes to mind. 
2. Prioritize.
3. Plan, but not too much.
4. Wake up early. Between 6 and 6:30, except closer to 7 on the weekends.
5. Check your email only twice per day. 
6. Eliminate unimportant tasks.
7. Clean off your desk and room.
8. Automate.
9. Set strict deadlines.
10. Take one day off per week.

Personal Development habits

1. Read 1 book per week. I don't stick to 1/week but I do try to read every day.  My favorite times are on the exercise machine during lunch break and right before I fall asleep at night.
2. Solve puzzles. I especially love Crosswords.
3. Think positively.
4. Make fast decisions.
5. Wait before buying.
6. Meditate 30 minutes per day. 

Career habits

1. Start a blog. You're reading it!
2. Build a portfolio.

Did you get more or less green than me?

Temporary Lusciousness

“For those few days the hills are bright with cherry-blossom. Longer, and we should not prize them so.” – Yamabe no Akahito / 山部赤人


My personal "cherry blossoms" happen to be Fruity Pebbles.  I dream that I could eat them for every meal.  In reality I know that I'll enjoy them more if I only eat them occasionally.  Please keep reminding me and hold me back if/when I start to gorge on Fred and Barney's savory stonelets!